June 3

Introduction

Genesis 16:1–16: Abram’s wife, Sarai, remains childless and offers her slave, Hagar, to Abram so that Abram can have an heir. After Hagar becomes pregnant, she looks with contempt on Sarai. Sarai treats her harshly, and Hagar runs away. Hagar encounters an angel of the LORD who tells her to return to her mistress. Hagar bears Abram a son who is named Ishmael.

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 16:13

Hagar asked herself, “Have I really seen God and lived to tell about it?” So she called the LORD, who had spoken to her, “A God Who Sees.”

Reflect

In the ancient Near East, it was not uncommon for an infertile wife to offer her maidservant to her husband to get an heir. Think about yesterday’s reading (Genesis 15) where God reassures Abram that he will have an heir. How does today’s reading reflect tension between that promise and Sarai’s childlessness? In agreeing to Sarai’s request, do you think Abram exhibits a lack of trust in God’s promise? Why or why not? What does this reading reveal about the relationship between Sarai and Hagar? What is Hagar told concerning the child she is to bear (verses 9–12)?

Pray

Almighty God, you are “A God Who Sees” and all creation is in your care. In faith and with trust, I look to you for guidance. I thank and praise you for nourishing and sustaining me day by day with your precious word. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 17:1–27: Circumcision becomes the sign of God’s covenant with Abram.